U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) visited the Case New Holland (CNH) manufacturing plant in Burlington Jan. 15 where it makes loader/backhoes, tractor loaders and rough-terrain forklifts for the Case brand.

In addition to participating in an employee assembly and plant tour, Grassley had the opportunity to operate a Case loader/backhoe, the flagship product of the plant.

Grassley also witnessed the manufacturing processes dedicated to fulfillment of Case Construction Equipment’s five-year contract with the U.S. Army to supply more than 500 backhoe loaders.

“We’re honored to host Sen. Grassley’s visit,” said Robert Ciecko, plant manager. Ciecko explained that the plant recently completed insourcing of Case tractor loader/backhoe chassis welding and loader arm welding operations. “The total investment exceeded $8.0 million, and 40 new welding jobs were created,” he said. “Insourcing was partially possible due to $600,000 in IDED funding and an ample supply of high-quality welders in the Burlington area, which traditionally has a strong manufacturing heritage.”

“Sen. Grassley’s visit is the latest in a long line of historical milestones at the Burlington plant,” said Jim McCullough, president and CEO of Case Construction Equipment, Inc. “This facility has been a cornerstone of the local economy since its opening in 1937, and it has been the home of the Case loader/backhoe, the world’s first factory-integrated machine of its type, for more than 50 years.” McCullough further noted, “Oversight of Defense Department projects has been one of the Senator’s main areas of interest, so we’re very pleased with this opportunity to give him a direct report on Case’s success in fulfilling our Army contract.”

The one million sq.-ft. plant employs more than 430 full-time employees and approximately 100 contract employees and is a leading manufacturing operation in the area.

Grassley has visited every one of Iowa’s 99 counties at least one time every year since his election to the Senate in 1980. He is the ranking member of the Finance Committee and serves on the Agriculture, Judiciary and Budget committees.

For more information, visit www.casece.com.

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